For the past 18 years, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice has developed its services to meet the needs of infants, children, and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Distance should not prevent children from accessing specialist care, so in April 2018 the NI Hospice opened an additional bed, The ‘Home from Home’ bed/cot, which specifically aims to address the difficulties facing families who do not live within easy reach of the Children’s Hospice.

This service complements the core mission of the Children’s Hospice to deliver world class palliative care to support infants, children, and young people to live well and die well, in comfort and safety, surrounded by those most important to them.

The Foundation funding will ensure the Northern Ireland Hospice can continue to provide the ‘Home from Home’ Cot service, offering longer ‘Supported Short Breaks’ for families who travel greater distances.

During a ‘Supported Short Break’, a child might typically stay for two-to-three nights, three times per year, often with their families staying in our on-site family accommodation. These breaks give parents and carers the chance to recharge their batteries safe in the knowledge that their child is not only being cared for by a specialist team, but that they are having fun taking part in supported activities surrounded by kids their own age. In other words, their children have a rare opportunity to make the most of childhood.

 ‘Supported Short Breaks’ also offers clinical help and advice for parents caring for children with complex needs, and gives that all-important space for families to create cherished memories together.

The Northern Ireland Hospice has helped to reduce the complexity of travel while offering care and support for families across Northern Ireland. They welcome children and their families for around 100 stays each year.